Creating the Science Notebook A page from one of Charles Darwin’s notebooks.

What is the purpose of a science notebook? Brainstorm with your group… How will keeping a science notebook help you? A science notebook… helps with organization is a good reference tool can be used as a study guide helps develop writing skills

Materials to get started… A blank notebook Scissors Glue sticks or liquid glue Colored pencils A pencil

Let’s get started… Write your name on the front cover of your notebook.

Open your notebook to the first page. This is the Title Page. Write: Science Notebook Your Name The School Year You have five minutes to decorate this page.

The Table of Contents The next three pages are for a table of contents. Each activity we complete and put in the science notebook will be listed in the Table of Contents. In what way is a table of contents useful?

Processes for Descriptive Investigations This page explains the process skills you will be using as you conduct investigations. You have been using these skills since you were in Kindergarten, but this page is a good reference.

Tools As you are putting these pages into the notebook, it should be mentioned that these are the tools you will learn how to use. Are there any you already know how to use? Put a small checkmark (in pencil) above the name of the tools you already know how to use.

Safety Contract and Safety Rules The top portion of the contract- the part with the science class safety expectations- will get glued in the science notebook.

What I know About Science Safety Add the Handout: What I know About Science Safety into your science notebook. This is the first activity for this year’s science notebook!

Measurement We will measure objects and organisms throughout the year. What are some units of measurement you remember from earlier grades? We will be working with this page throughout the year. When we complete an activity that involves measurement, remember to come back to this page and add new information.

Other pages Count out about 6–10 pages at the back of the notebook for a science glossary. Important academic science vocabulary can be recorded here. Create a pocket at the back to hold a ruler.